CPSC Files Complaint Against Importer of Chinese Magnets
The Consumer Product Safety Commission filed an administrative complaint Dec. 17 against Star Networks USA of Fairfield, N.J., importer of Magnicube Magnet Balls and Magnet Cubes that are made in China. The complaint alleges the products contain defects in their design, packaging, warnings and instructions, which pose a substantial risk of injury. The complaint, approved by the CPSC on a 2-1 vote, seeks an order that the firm stop selling Star Networks Magnicube Magnet Balls and Magnet Cubes, notify the public of the defect, and offer consumers a full refund.
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CPSC staff said discussions with the company failed to result in a voluntary recall plan that CPSC staff considered adequate, and the company resumed sale of the products in November. The complaint estimates about 22,000 sets were sold, priced from $20 to $80.
In response to a request from CPSC staff in July 2012, 11 firms, including Star Networks, voluntarily agreed to stop selling similar products after young children and teenagers swallowed multiple magnets, which connected inside their gastrointestinal tracts and caused internal injuries requiring surgery. Zen Magnets, importer of Zen Magnets Rare Earth Magnet Balls, Maxfield & Oberton, importer of Buckyballs and Buckycubes, and now Star Networks, which reversed its earlier withdrawal of the product, are the only companies that have refused to comply with the staff's request.